GOOD HOPE, Ala. — God has definitely changed Good Hope senior Mattie Wix’s life and in this interview, she discussed her relationship with her faith, starting with some of her favorite Bible verses.
“God holds a significance in my life that is difficult to put into words. He serves as my guiding light and my source of reassurance when faced with uncertainty. I firmly believe that without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today, nor would I have become the person I am,” Wix said. “My favorite Bible verses are Isaiah 53:5 and Isaiah 41:10. They bring me encouragement and remind me of God’s greatness, as they assure me of His constant presence with me, providing peace and strength in times of anxiety.”
Mattie wants to help people of all ages find God and being a strong role model for them is important to her.
“In today’s world, where Christianity often faces criticism and division, finding God is crucial for people of all ages, as He is the ultimate source of creation, love, and wisdom. My life has been tremendously impacted by God, whose presence brings comfort, guidance, and purpose, and offering peace and hope during challenging times,” she said. “Everyone needs God’s unconditional love and grace, which can transform our hearts and inspire us to live with compassion and integrity. By seeking God and developing a relationship with Him, we can find strength, direction, and a deeper understanding of our place in the world, which is why I am passionate about helping people navigate their faith and understand the profound impact God can have on their lives.”
She added,
“It is so important to me to be a Godly role model for kids, because they tend to look up to others for guidance, inspiration, and having that positive faith-based example can really help shape their values and behavior. Living out my faith in everyday actions shows them how to handle life’s challenges. Plus, it helps build a foundation of love and trust, which can guide them throughout their lives. It’s all about leading by example and being ‘that shoulder to lean on’ or positive influence they have to count on.”
Mattie talked about her favorite mission and some of her role models.
“My favorite mission was helping an elderly man a few summers ago with various tasks around the house, including roofing, siding, painting, and yard cleanup alongside my youth group. That allowed us to spread God’s word through acts of kindness and share with him how Jesus has impacted our lives,” she said. “My parents are my ultimate role models, consistently showing me what it means to live with love, integrity, and faith. Through their actions and words, they’ve taught me valuable lessons in kindness, honesty, and compassion. Additionally, I draw inspiration from social media role models like Bryce Crawford, Sadie Robertson, and Cliff Knechtle, who demonstrate the importance of proudly embracing my Christian faith and living it out daily, even when it’s not considered ‘cool’ or ‘trendy’.”
Mattie went through a challenging life-changing experience at a young age, but God has helped her every step of the way, and that experience has helped her faith grow even stronger.
“When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with strep throat and was given an antibiotic shot. Unfortunately, the shot was injected into my sciatic nerve, which caused full paralysis of my left leg. I regained feeling six months later with intense therapy and lots of tests. Since then, however, walking has never been the same for me. Despite the challenges, I have overcome my battles with God by my side, finding strength and resilience through my faith. This difficult experience brought me closer to God, as I relied on His guidance and comfort during my darkest moments. Through prayer and trust in His plan, I found the courage to face each day with hope and determination. My faith has been my anchor, helping me to see beyond my physical limitations and embrace the blessings in my life. Even though I walk differently, I’m still able to live a fulfilling life, pursue my dreams, and inspire others with my journey,” Wix said. “My relationship with God has grown stronger, giving me the inner strength to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. I even competed in the Miss Good Hope Fair Pageant, where I had the opportunity to share my story and spread God’s word about how He helped me overcome this battle.”
Mattie gave some advice to anyone who wants a relationship with God but might be struggling with that goal.
“If you’re looking to build a relationship with God but are struggling, start small with a few minutes of prayer or reading a verse. Be honest with God about your feelings and doubts and find a church or Bible Study to connect with. Explore different books in the Bible and stay open to how God might be working in your life, even in small ways. Be patient with yourself and God, as building a relationship takes time. Remember, it’s a journey, and everyone’s path is unique. Keep seeking, and you’ll find your way.”
Mattie has learned so much during her journey so far and competing pageants has changed not only her life, but gives her a chance to change other girls’ lives as well.
“I’ve come to trust God’s plan for me, understanding that patience is key as I navigate a journey unique to me with its own challenges and outcomes. God is always watching over me, providing peace and guidance through difficult times, leading me towards a brighter future. With every step, I draw closer to Him,” she said. “Participating in the pageant helped me discover my true purpose and understand that God’s trials are opportunities to inspire others by overcoming adversity. That gives me the confidence to showcase my uniqueness and encourage other girls to do the same, serving as a role model and reminding them that their individuality reflects God’s creation. I hope girls can wake up each day, thank God for making them, and spread positivity to others. Singing at the Good Hope Elementary pageant last month and receiving love from the little girls afterward made me realize the impact one person can have on others. My goal is to always be my true self, so those little girls aren’t afraid to do the same.”
Copyright 2025 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Chinese (Simplified)
English
German
Japanese
Spanish
